Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Today I tried another new meatless burger recipe, since the garbanzo burgers and the beet burgers went over so well. This one is a walnut rice cheeseburger with fresh lettuce and a thick slice of ripe tomato in a whole wheat sandwich thin. The cute swiss cheese kitty Nyanko Burger is sure to make this a happy meal. I added some parmesan sweet potato oven-baked "fries", a cucumber cup of blueberries, cara cara orange chunks, cherries and a strawberry heart. Since it is the month of valentines, after all. ^_^

Do you know Nyan Nyan Nyanko? It is a San-X kitty character which can imitate various food items. I saw this Nyanko bento box and I strongly wish to obtain it. Isn't it so cute?

I have to admit, when I think of walnuts, I think of muffins and sweet treats. So when I smelled the walnut rice while making this, I had mixed feelings. Is this savory? Is it a dessert? A bit unsettling. The reason that walnuts are included is because this nut is a good source of monounsaturated fats. What I've found with these meat substitute burgers is that the flavor is usually so mild that the success of the burgers often depends upon the choice of seasonings you use. If you have a favorite blend (such as garlic and cumin, which I like), then maybe you should stick with that. But that's just my opinion. What do you vegetarians think?

Saute onion, carrot, and garlic in a large saucepan. Mix with rice and set aside.
Process the walnuts in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade until finely ground. Add the rice mixture, egg, and seasoning. Pulse until the mixture sticks together. With wet hands, roll into balls and then flatten into patties.
Coat a nonstick griddle or large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Cook the patties for about 3 minutes or until golden. Turn carefully and cook for about 4 minutes longer or until heated through. Melt some cheese on top if you like. Place each patty on a bun with a tomato slice and lettuce leaf, with mustard.

This is my favorite of your bento creations! Nyan Nyan Nyanko is one of my favorite characters, and you made one out of food perfectly! I also love the strawberry heart with an arrow and the cucumber cup! Where did you spot the Nyanko bento box? Oh, are you becoming a vegetarian or just trying a lot of veggie burgers?

Thanks a lot Julie! Mine too. Wish I could collect all of them. I was scanning the webs looking for a photo of Nyanko burger and I spotted the box. Don't know where it's from, which is a good thing (so I won't go purchasing more boxes). We're not "becoming vegetarian" so much as trying to increase our vegetable intake. I'm currently very interested in learning how to make veggie burgers because they're so kid-friendly, and I won't mind them eating burgers so much if they aren't all meat ones. It's been a learning process, and I'm happy that they've been pretty receptive to the ones I've tried so far :)

Am I just loving your adventures in the world of vegetarian patties...! Years ago I had a recipe for some sort of vegan meatloaf, which looked oh-so-made-from-meat and it was packed with walnuts...wish I could get that recipe again and try as hamburgers. You totally inspired me!So cute Nyanko kitty! Always thought it´s "ok" to make charaben and edible "animals", however Nyanko characters always cracked me up :P.Sweet cuke cup and double lovely heart! Happy Feb ❤!

Karaimame -- I need to go through your list of recipes because you probably have a wonderful repertoire of meatless and gluten-free meal ideas. The vegetarian menu is a challenge for me but I'm enjoying learning different techniques. Thank you so much for the encouragement! ^_^Those Japanese animal-as-food-creatures are all so funny. Wonder why so popular (Anpanman & friends too)? And wonder why we don't have any in the US ... do we? Hmmm.

Nyan Nyan Nyanko is my favourite character, but then again, I am a sucker for all catlike kawaii things :o) Your veggie burger adventure is most interesting and an inspiration for me as well. I'll have to give them a try this weekend (together with Megan's vegan patty).

Super fantastic cuteness, I LOVE sweet Nyanko and the dazzling fruits *strawberry heart!!* Inspired by your vegetarian creativity, infused with such joy and color. Thanks for brightening my day with this post!

yum, these burgers sound wholesome and filling, and look delish! i like walnuts in both sweet and savory applications, but i can understand your initial hesitance... seems like it worked out though! nyan nyan peeking out is just too cute.

Your Nyan Nyan Nyanko is precious! I am truly loving your vegee burger posts lately. I still haven't made any of my own but I want to soooo bad. This looks delicious! I've used almonds in savory cooking before but never walnuts, I associate them with sweet stuff too, lol.